The University of Ibadan has signed a Deed of Gift for the donation of a research facility and a Memorandum of Understanding for the institution of a scholarship scheme and an annual lecture for the development of teaching and learning with the International Energy Services Limited (IESL).
The Chairman of IESL and a UI@75 ambassador, Dr Diran Fawibe, who was in the university for the signing, was received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Peter Olapegba, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale.
Professor Olapegba noted that the ceremony marked the beginning of a sustainable relationship between UI and IESL, a model for industry-university collaboration to foster a synergy between the academia and the industry in the advancement of education and innovation.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor appreciated the Chairman of IESL for his benefactions to the University in the past and these renewed efforts to empower future leaders of Nigeria.
He lauded the donor’s commitment to the university, and recalled that upon his decoration as a UI@75 ambassador, Dr Fawibe donated N20 million to the University and went ahead to intensify efforts with the management of IESL to fashion a sustainable benefaction for the university.
The research facility will be domiciled in the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies with the Centre for Petroleum, Energy, Economics and Law as the primary beneficiary.
The scholarships are to be awarded annually to deserving students in the Departments of
Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Economics. The annual Diran Fawibe Lecture Series will address issues of national importance.
The DVC stated that the alumni as the owners of the university, needed to be engaged strategically
adding that the UI@75 ambassadorial initiative was an eye-opener which has enabled the university to intensify its efforts in reaching out to its alumni as partners in the development of the university.
Professor Olapegba further sought the collaboration of International Energy Services Limited on internship placement for students, industrial training, grants, and other strategic partnerships to promote a sustainable Town-Gown relationship.
The Chairman of International Energy Services Limited (IESL), Dr. Diran Fawibe reiterated that the University of Ibadan made him into the professional that he became having benefitted from scholarships awarded him by the University.
He affirmed that UI has a prestigious history and his undergraduate and postgraduate days in the university were beautiful periods in the history of education in Nigeria.
He said his motivation in giving back to his alma mater was the solid background he received in the University of Ibadan and the early career opportunities that the university gave him.
Dr. Fawibe stated that IESL is a leading indigenous energy services company established in 1990 which has over 200 engineers, offering comprehensive engineering, technical, and project management services in oil and gas development across Africa.
He commended the University management for being active and proactive in sustaining the legacies of the institution and charged the university management to keep the flag flying and maintain the tradition of excellence which the University of Ibadan is known for.
Dr. Fawibe was accompanied on the visit by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of International Energy Services Limited, Engr. Bayo Ige; Manager Legal Services/Company Secretary, Mrs. Adedayo Salami; and the Director of the UI Centre for Petroleum, Energy, Economics, and Law (CPEEL), Professor Olugbenga Falode.
